Flying for our future

Flying brings Europe together culturally, diplomatically, economically and emotionally. Our airlines will maintain this important role – keeping Europe connected.

In times of crisis, European airlines uphold global supply chains, repatriate stranded EU citizens, and provide rapid transportation of essential supplies, such as medical goods. Our airlines strive to maintain this vital role in always supporting Europe.

A technological revolution in flight

We are committed to reducing carbon emissions and making flying more sustainable through investments in sustainable aviation fuel, new technology and taking advantage of airspace reform to deliver more efficient flying.

European airlines are at the forefront of technological innovation. We have already committed to €169bn of investment in cutting-edge aircraft technology, ensuring quieter, more fuel-efficient flights.

Man and woman hugging at airport
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Our Commitment

Europe’s 17 largest airline groups are committing to a future of flying that is:

1

Connected

Flying has brought Europe together culturally, diplomatically, economically and emotionally. Our airlines will maintain this important role – among today’s EU citizens, those of tomorrow and our neighbours across the globe.

2

Dependable

In times of crisis, European airlines uphold global supply chains, repatriate stranded EU citizens, and provide rapid transportation of essential supplies, such as medical goods. Our airlines strive to maintain this vital role in always supporting Europe.

3

Modern

European airlines are at the forefront of technological innovation. We have already committed to €169bn of investment in cutting-edge aircraft technology, ensuring quieter, more fuel-efficient flights.

4

More Sustainable

Airlines are committed to reducing carbon emissions and making flying more sustainable through investments in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), new technology and taking advantage of airspace reform to deliver more efficient flying.

5

Available to all

We will maintain our commitment to enabling all Europeans to take advantage of air travel and enjoy the choice and benefits it has unlocked for millions since the introduction of the single aviation market.

Our Call To Action

1

Supercharge sustainability and strengthen competitiveness

  • Provide incentives to supercharge the production of SAFs across Europe – including competitive tax credits.
  • Funding and support for nascent, emerging and established SAF projects or fuel producers.
  • Coordination with the European aviation sector as well as international counterparts to boost the widespread adoption of SAFs and other sustainable technologies.
  • Ensure Europe has a strong airline sector that can compete on the global stage.

2

Deliver meaningful airspace reform

  • Deliver the airspace reform Europe and the planet deserves so that airlines can fly in the most efficient way possible.
  • Implement a ‘passenger protection proposal’ to minimise the ongoing impact of ATC industrial action – including a legally binding requirement for arbitration with unions ahead of strike action; a 21-day notice period ahead of strikes; 72-hour confirmation of employee participation in strikes; and protection for overflights over countries affected by ATC strikes, without impacting flights flying to and from the country affected.

3

Create a true single aviation market

  • Address the ongoing issue of unilateral airline taxes which create an uneven playing field and cost the industry billions of Euros a year – hiking up the cost of flying in the process.
  • Update the rules around the amount different airports charge airlines to operate flights.
  • Introduce a mandatory minimum service level for border controls across the Schengen area – minimising costly delays as passengers wait for checks.
  • Implement fully the long overdue reforms to the EU’s passenger rights to provide clarity once and for all.
Female Engineer, repairing a plane

Our pledge signatories

Frequently asked questions

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Founded in 2016, A4E represents the united voice of Europe’s leading airlines in Brussels. Our 17 airline group members represent over 80% of European air traffic and carried over 718 million passengers in 2023. Leading global aircraft manufacturers are also members of A4E. Airlines with cargo and mail activities transport more than 5 million tons of goods annually.

We are committing to a future of flying that is connected, dependable, modern, sustainable and available to all. This will ensure Europeans continue to take advantage of air travel and enjoy the choice and benefits it has unlocked for millions since the introduction of the single aviation market.

We are calling on the EU and the Member States Transport Ministers to deliver during their next mandate for air transport. We need to ensure that the newly elected European Parliament and next Commissioner for Transport continue this work beyond 2024 and this vision is delivered for decades to come.

We’d love to hear from you. Send us an email at contact@a4e.eu.

You can also join our mailing list to receive the latest A4E news and information.

Get in touch

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